Winter Checklist: Maintaining Your Furnace

December 05, 2017
By
Roth Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical

Share

Maintaining your furnace during the winter keeps it running smoothly efficiently.
It’s easy to take this hard working appliance for granted, but like
all mechanical systems, it needs periodic attention to run at its best.

Schedule a Professional Service Check

The energy efficiency and durability of yourfurnace improves when a professional HVAC technician goes through it annually. The service
includes thorough cleaning of the burner and the ignition system, as well
as adjusting the air to fuel ratio based on the manufacturer’s specifications.

The technician will check all the safety switches to make sure they’re
fully functional, as well as checking the gas lines and exhaust venting.
The blower motor may require lubrication and the belt might need adjustment
or replacement.

Check and Change the Air Filter

Checking and changing the air filter monthly will keep your system running
as efficiently as possible. When the filters get dirty, the air flowing
through the air handler slows down, and it will take the furnace longer
to heat your home.

Dust also collects on the parts inside the air handler, which reduces their
efficiency and can lead to system problems. It’s particularly serious
when it covers the heat exchanger. When dust covers this part, it acts
as insulation and keeps it warmer than the manufacturer intended.

Over time, the metal can crack, which may force an entire system replacement.
Cracked heat exchangers may emit carbon monoxide (CO) into the air, which
is a safety hazard, largely avoidable by maintaining the furnace and keeping
the air filter clean.

Clean the Registers

Over the winter, keep an eye on the register covers. Clean them when they’re
dirty and note any areas of excessive dust, which could indicate ductwork
leaks. Leaks need to be repaired quickly to prevent high heating costs
and keep indoor air quality high. All the ducts should be open and remove
anything that blocks the free flow of air.

Each of these suggestions for maintaining your furnace will help it keep
your home comfortable and lower your heating costs. For more information, contact
Roth Heating & Cooling, providing top-notch HVAC services for Portland-area homeowners.